Which is better
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
Which is better
I had this thought today as I am almost done getting our latest fiver ready to roll. Is it really better to know how to fix things? When you know how to fix things, you inherently know a great many things that can go wrong. That means stuff to worry about.
So I have a lot of tools and the module boards for every system right up to and including a spare blower motor for the furnace. Boards for the AC, the water heater, etc, etc. Then there is the truck stuff to worry about. Fresh oil, transmission and rear end fluids. All the tires aired up, and I could go on.
Now Joe Average buys an RV and takes off. It may well break down on occasion and he calls someone to fix it. It costs him more, but sometimes I wonder how much the time I spend maintaining and then thinking about what needs to be done next cost more.
As I said, just thinking.
Steve
So I have a lot of tools and the module boards for every system right up to and including a spare blower motor for the furnace. Boards for the AC, the water heater, etc, etc. Then there is the truck stuff to worry about. Fresh oil, transmission and rear end fluids. All the tires aired up, and I could go on.
Now Joe Average buys an RV and takes off. It may well break down on occasion and he calls someone to fix it. It costs him more, but sometimes I wonder how much the time I spend maintaining and then thinking about what needs to be done next cost more.
As I said, just thinking.
Steve
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
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From: very South Texas
like me years ago... auto mechanic...
go on a trip... 200 pounds of tools... 50 pounds of parts and fluids
99 percent of the time.. None Needed.
and NO trailer.
as car/truck was gone over from bumper to bumper by me.
go on a trip... 200 pounds of tools... 50 pounds of parts and fluids
99 percent of the time.. None Needed.
and NO trailer.
as car/truck was gone over from bumper to bumper by me.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
after I turned 50, I sold all of my 3/4 inch drive tools...
I was NOT going to work on anything that needed that Big Stuff.
I guess to answer your first question.. it's the nature of the beast.... human nature.
knowing how it works and how to fix it.. you know what can happen.. and so it ends up STUCK in the back of your mind.
I was NOT going to work on anything that needed that Big Stuff.
I guess to answer your first question.. it's the nature of the beast.... human nature.
knowing how it works and how to fix it.. you know what can happen.. and so it ends up STUCK in the back of your mind.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
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From: Frederick, MD
I have my 3/4 drive set. I still use it but more inclined to let someone else do the work if the weather is not perfect.
If you enjoy going over your vehicles and maintaining them then I see no reason to change that.
Carrying some things is good but all the boards for different circuits I think is a bit much for me.
If you enjoy going over your vehicles and maintaining them then I see no reason to change that.
Carrying some things is good but all the boards for different circuits I think is a bit much for me.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
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From: Upstate NY
When we took our fall extended trip, I put our truck and trailer on a 'diet'. Unfortunately, I still have a problem lifting the ever increasing weight and size tool and 'spares' boxes. I probably only used a couple screw drivers and a pair of side cut pliers over the entire 8500K miles - and the one needed 'spare' I had to purchase somewhere in W.Va.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 547
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From: Southern California
Balance is hard to find. As a tech I try not to stress and have only started carrying anything. Yesterday I wanted to get a picture of our exchange student from Brazil in the snow on Christmas day. Had a heater control valve blow and dump coolant. Frustrating part is I had changed the valve a couple months ago and hadn't bought everything I thought I should and kept thinking of the things I wanted to carry as I was trying to get all 6 of us home. We made it and I am going to add to what I carry.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
I carry very basic tools with me, and pretty much no parts.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: West Virginia
I perform regular inspections and maintenance on both my campers and all vehicles (including mowers, weed eaters, saws, etc.). If it should get to the point that I need to carry tools and parts in order to ensure my <insert item name> functions during its intended use, then it has become unreliable and is due for replacement.
Tires are exposed to hazards on the roadway, so I carry a spare and tools to change a flat. Beyond that, I don't carry so much as a screwdriver and never have.
I am as CDO as the next guy (it's like OCD, only the letters are in the correct order!), but I refuse to worry about what might go wrong. My grandmother used to call that "borrowing trouble".
Tires are exposed to hazards on the roadway, so I carry a spare and tools to change a flat. Beyond that, I don't carry so much as a screwdriver and never have.
I am as CDO as the next guy (it's like OCD, only the letters are in the correct order!), but I refuse to worry about what might go wrong. My grandmother used to call that "borrowing trouble".
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 214
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I too have stopped carrying most tools. I figure there is a store somewhere and I buy something if I need it. Trying to follow the KISS principal.
After 37 years working as a Millwright I have used enough tools.
After 37 years working as a Millwright I have used enough tools.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,458
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From: Calgary Canada
I love this quote.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
It's true I carry a few hundred dollars in parts, but they are just from my inventory and when I am on the road I can't sell them anyway. Plus, I know I have them without worrying about whether the next dealership does. It's a plus minus situation, like so many in life.
Steve
Steve
